Roller blinds are the modern take on the curtain and can make any room look stylish. From bold patterns, block colors, and neutral tones, there are so many to choose from to spruce up a dull room.
They are also convenient too, as a roller blind is a perfect option for a room that is humid or wet, and they are generally easy to clean as well.
They also avoid the annoying issue of having fabric draped everywhere, and instead, you can pull a simple chord to have the blind up, halfway, or down – whatever you feel like, really.
That being said, if not cared for they can start to look worn out and tired. With the motion of being pulled up and down, and the factors of the environment, such as moisture in the air, it is no wonder that taking care of roller blinds is paramount to them looking brand-new every single day.
We have put together this handy guide by our commercial cleaners to help you clean your roller blinds efficiently. so, read on to find out how to keep your blinds in pristine condition.
Before You Start
Fabric roller blinds are easier to clean than other types due to the fact they are generally one piece of material and do not have all the nooks and crannies which collect dust and debris.
What you will have to be concerned about is the type of fabric and what you can use on the said material without damaging it. Most will take natural substances, but if you find there is a particular stain that needs to be removed, then you may find you will have to use something stronger.
When this is the case, make sure that the ingredient you have chosen can be applied to the material, otherwise, you may risk damaging the roller blind, with the possibility of having to replace it altogether.
Some people opt to place the roller blind into the washing machine, but this is not recommended. The reason you should avoid this method is that it can cause the fabric to become ruined, as well as crease and fold, losing its smooth appearance that roller blinds are known for.
So, before you start, make sure you know whether it is a full clean you are wanting to do or a spot clean. Either way, the methods generally stay the same.
General Weekly Clean
To prevent roller blinds from becoming dirty and tired-looking, it is always best to give them a general clean on a weekly basis. Over time, dust particles will settle on the fabric.
Also, if they are based in a humid room like a kitchen or bathroom, they are likely to be affected by the moist air.
Keeping them clean means that dirt is less likely to build up, though it can happen when you least expect it, so it is always best to have the knowledge to hand.
Use A Vacuum
Most blinds will do fine just by being vacuumed every week. This will prevent dust from building up, but cannot stop stains and mold from forming. Instead, it is a way to keep on top of simple cleaning and to make sure that they do not have a layer of dust buildup on top of the fabric.
To do this you will need to roll the blinds fully down so you can access the full material. Vacuum the full surface and then do the same on the other side.
Soapy Water and a Sponge
Soapy water is an easy method of doing a deeper clean when you want to do something that is more than just vacuuming. It can remove debris that has built up over time, too.
Fill a bucket or large bowl with warm soapy water (such as dish soap), but you can also use white vinegar instead because it will do the same job of killing bacteria. Submerge a microfiber cloth into the water and then ring out any excess liquid.
Using the cloth, wipe the surface of the blind from top to bottom. Keep dipping the cloth into the water when you need to, but always remember to remove the excess liquid.
Once you have finished, to avoid mold from forming, let the fabric completely air dry before rolling them back up.
Spot Cleaning A Roller Blind
If you have a stubborn stain and cannot remove it with soapy water or vinegar, then you may need to invest in a dedicated stain remover.
So long as you use something that suits the fabric, it should not cause discolouration or damage to the material. If you are worried, try it on a small and hidden area first.
Always follow the instructions of the fabric remover, but you can also use a clean toothbrush to scrub at the stain to help remove it. If this is something you are opting to do, always brush in the direction of the weave, otherwise, you could cause marks on the fabric.
Cleaning Roller Blinds In The Bathtub
If you want an even bigger clean, then you can wash roller blinds in the bathtub. Whilst it is time-consuming, it is useful when it comes around to that annual spring clean.
- Remove the blinds from the window and any metal parts that can be removed. You do not want these to enter the water otherwise they may rust or seize up.
- Fill the bathtub with warm (not hot) water and add some mild detergent. Allow the blinds to soak for a while.
- Once half an hour has passed, check to see how clean they are. If they have grime on them, use a gentle brush to scrub at the area.
- Drain the bathtub and rinse the blinds in clean, running water to remove all the detergent.
- Blot the blinds with a dry towel to remove excess water – do not squeeze them as you risk creasing them.
- Drape them over a drying rack to air dry. Once fully dry, hang them back up.
Cleaning A Vinyl Or PVC Roller Blind
Vinyl and PVC roller blinds are a great choice for a room that has the potential to be full of moist air such as a bathroom. Even though it is tempting just to wipe a vinyl blind with a cloth to clean, they also need a bit of extra TLC to stop bacteria from taking over.
The method to clean is the exact same when it comes to this type of blind, except you can be a little extra hard whilst doing so. This means you can use a bit more water and detergent, as well as be able to gently scrub stains.
Even so, this type of material can show up as watermarks, so keep in mind how much water you use when cleaning.
As usual, always make sure that the blind is fully dry before rolling it back up. Whilst it is waterproof, it has trouble air drying, so help it by wiping a dry cloth along with it.
Mold Removal On A Roller Blind
Mold loves a room that is damp and warm, and this tends to be a bathroom or kitchen. Roller blinds are a popular choice for these rooms because of how easier they are to clean, but you should still think about the possibility of mold forming.
The best way to remove mold is to prevent it in the first place. You can do this by making sure blinds are fully dry before you roll them up, and keeping them clean.
Also, choosing the correct fabric type is also important. For a bathroom or kitchen, perhaps choose PVC. It is a lot more wipeable and waterproof, but it can take a little longer to dry on its own.
Even so, just take a dry cloth and soak it up – this is something you cannot do on other materials making PVC perfect for a humid environment.
Windows that suffer from condensation can also cause mould to form, so always check if your blinds are wet in the morning.
If you do find that there is mold forming on a blind, either seek advice from a professional or use a chemical cleaner that has been specifically created to remove mold from the fabric.
You can also try the trick of using white vinegar spritzed onto the fabric to kill mold bacteria. Always test on a small hidden area first to avoid damaging the fabric.
Final Words
Cleaning roller blinds is a simple task, and one that should be done weekly, if not daily, to prevent bacteria and mold from building upon the surface of the fabric.
From wiping it down, vacuuming, and immersing them fully into a bathtub filled with water, there are many practical ways to clean roller blinds.
If you find that the grime or mold is too much to handle, always seek professional help, otherwise, cleaning roller blinds at home is easy!
